In Houston, we call that Outside. I am not sure about the EBITDA of Outside, though, so Hotworx may have an advantage there.

Would only worry about the fad nature of workouts and that someone might have a heat stroke in your sauna doing exercise.

Having people walk from their car, through the texas heat & humidity, in order to pay to work out in the heat & humidity.

'merica

Wow, you just escalated that right up to patronizing and condescending. Bold move, let's see how it works out.

Adverse Event said:

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Appreciate the inexperienced comments.

I'm only looking for opinions from those with experience in the business itself. Anyone knocking it is more than welcome to see where the closest location is to then and do a free session, see if it is truly a trash "merka" experience versus something useful.

Apologies for linking to their website but type in the zip code and give 'er a whirl and report back.

https://www.hotworx.net/locations

If youre certain that it's no better than paying for Texas heat/humidity indoors, test the theory, lemme know. My understanding is anyone can test it out for free.

Don't be scared to try new things.

If it becomes the worst 30 minute workout of your life, just gimme the feedback.

But if you are scared, and don't have any useful experience to share about the franchise, and won't go and try one out, then just let the thread drop. Keep quiet.

Would really love any data feedback from anyone already tracking biometrics via whoop/fitbit/etc.

I'll head to the big city a few hours away to test it out myself before I put forth any capital into it. Hoped someone here might be able to provide any useful input to work with/against outside of "but its hot outside, why?"

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If you look at the replies on this thread as potential future customers clearly you can see what the average "potential customer" thinks about this. This should be your most important takeaway here. But by all means carry on with your attitude though...I'm sure that will bring you plenty of customers in the future.

Thoughts from a trainer:

There can be both benefits and drawbacks to training like this. It might be fine for those who are new to fitness and like a group atmosphere. It won't take them to a more advanced level as these types of group training sessions are very limited in terms of reaching overload and monitoring actual progression. Which is totally fine for many. Better than nothing, will get one moderately more fit and is something different than the typical Orange Theory or F45. But once some members want more, and some will, this concept isn't going to get them there. Sure, you will offer more "advanced" and "harder" classes" but harder isn't really always better. Ex: A stay at home mom gets into better shape through Hotworx and now wants to make more aesthetic changes. While there is a "booty" class available, a good trainer or strength coach knows that she will have to start doing the compound movements like squats, deadlifts, etc if she really wants to grow her glutes. And I doubt there is room to put a squat rack and heavier free weights in a sauna. Those light weight "bootybuilder" classes actually only get a client so far. They need to do heavy squats (heavy relative to them obviously) and dead lifts to get glutes. This obviously won't apply to most but it will to some. I get that you are more concerned with the concepts ability to make you money. I am just pointing out how I would view it as a trainer.

Issues: Heat. Is it really a benefit? Can the exact same results come from a more traditional training format? A lot of fatigue can result that is unnecessary and actually could limit results due to that excessive fatigue being built up. Studies are still limited but contrary to what Rhona Patrick has stated (I have followed her and like her), adding heat isn't the best for everyone. Most studies point to the build up of that fatigue as a limiting factor. Granted, this is a lot more of an issue for those with potentially more specific and advanced goals and may very well not effect the participant that this type of place is trying to attract as a customer. Again, the target is the general fitness demographic. Most of these people will be novices and any level of training will result in a raised fitness level.

Biggest issue: As was mentioned, is that a fad? Unfortunately, it may become one over time when the next "new thing" comes around. Having been a trainer at an Anytime Fitness, franchising can have drawbacks. There was a lot of rules that could keep costs high, like which providers of equipment you had to use, music provider, SW systems etc. It's hard to make money at these types of things. With this concept though, seems that equipment costs would be low. In that sense it could be good. But will the parent stay up with the times as things change?

Personally, I believe in putting weights in people's hands to get them not only in shape, but strong and/or beautiful. My interests lie in body building and powerlifting. So I am biased. So know that. But again, I worry too much that this pins you in a corner with an investment that is too limited conceptually without room to grow and change with the times.

Whatever you decide, I truly wish you good luck!

I LOVE it. I actively attend Hotworx sessions weekly. As an owner I believe you have the ability to determine the number of people in a box -- please don't do 3. Run all your numbers at 2... with 3, movements become somewhat limited and people won't attend the class. With the hiit rooms, it's impossible to move around with 3 actually in there with the equipment.

Re: Strength training - there's a gym inside also -- you book the space just like any other spot. Includes squat rack, dumbells, kettlebells, ropes, bench, etc.

Things I really enjoy about it over other types of classes:

• limited people interaction
• can do it with the lights off (heh) -- less feeling of being judged
• predictability - I choose a class and book the time -- it's there and starts on time, every visit. It also ends at the same time, every visit
• 24-hour access, free weight area that books out, full shower facility

Feel free to message me to ask questions if you want.

OP, it sounds like you're already sold so I say go for it. It seems people can be talked into paying for anything, so I'm sure there's a market for it.

Aside from the "I'll just exercise outside" aspect, it does seem a bit "faddish." Get people hot and sweaty, basically losing water weight and think they're getting in great shape.

Don't get me wrong, I'm a big believer in the health benefits of saunas/sweating. But it seems the big fish (no pun intended) are the overweight people thinking they're "burning a bunch of fat," when in reality it's water weight that they'll gain back in the next day or two after the sauna.